Video Game Awards and Kojima

Hideo Kojima was legally prevented from attending the Video Game Awards yesterday. During the ceremony MGSV won an award for Best Action/Adventure Game, and Keifer Sutherland went up to accept it on Kojima’s behalf. (Sutherland noted that Metal Gear Solid fans are the most devoted of any he’s ever seen, saying that of all the things he’s done in the past, the only posters he seems to sign are for Snake in MGS.)

“Mr. Kojima had every intention of being with us tonight, but unfortunately he was informed by a lawyer representing Konami just recently that he would not be allowed to travel to tonight’s award ceremony to accept any awards. He’s still under employment contract and it’s disappointing — it’s inconceivable to me that an artist like Hideo would not be allowed to come here and celebrate with his peers and his fellow teammates. Such an incredible game, is Metal Gear Solid 5, but that’s the situation we’re in. Hideo is in Tokyo right now, watching the show, so I want you to know, Hideo, that we’re thinking of you, and we miss you. We hope to see you at The Game Awards 2016.”

Clearly this is the most pathetic move yet by Konami. It truly does seem like pure animosity toward Kojima, which begs the question of what exactly he did to piss them off so much. The game has sold incredibly well, and obviously it won an award, so it is mind-boggling why things would continue to drag out in such an ugly fashion.

I can’t wait to find out what the hell is going on yet.

Also, Jade Raymond — who many speculate was drunk at the event — took a moment to spit on the decision to replace David Hayter in Metal Gear Solid V. Here’s a video of that. I don’t see this as a jab at Sutherland, just pent up disbelief that Hayter was rudely snubbed for the role.